Fresno Pacific University Head men’s basketball coach C.J. Haydock has announced the addition of longtime local coach Myron Epps to his staff today, completing the Sunbird coaching staff for the 2018-2019 season. Epps comes to the Sunbirds from Mission Oak High School in Tulare and brings with him a storied record of success at both the high school and college level.
“I’ve watched Myron for many years and have observed him lead young people with wisdom and investment beyond basketball, build cultures of selflessness and hard work, and lead his teams with great basketball IQ and intentional player development,” Haydock said. “His fingerprints are all over our valley basketball community, he is deeply rooted and invested here, and it’s clear he’s a great fit for the future of our program. We are honored he wants to be a part of what we are building.”
Epps comes to Fresno Pacific with a lengthy resume, spanning multiple levels, leaving a dramatic impact on the Central Valley hoop scene. His experience at the high school level includes stops at Mission Oak of Tulare, Central of Fresno, and Wonderful College Prep of Delano. He also spent time as an assistant coach at San Jose City College.
During his career, Epps has assisted in the development and recruiting process for a plethora of four-year players. Additionally, Epps has served as the lead trainer for the Aztec Basketball Academy, working with a variety of college level players on both the men’s and women’s side, including Keonta Vernon of Grand Canyon University, Bayli McClard of Gonzaga and Brooke Johnson of UNLV. He also founded one of the most notable all-star games in California, the North-South Game, and also served as the Central Section Boys AAU Director.
“I believe this to not only be a great opportunity, but the right opportunity. I have watched and admired coach Haydock for many years. His character, honesty, and genuine core beliefs are what set him apart, and make him a leader of leaders,” Epps said. “I strongly value the FPU men’s basketball program core belief of first things stay first, lay down your life, stay in your lane and change your chase. I’m beyond thrilled and thankful for the opportunity coach Haydock and Director of Athletics Aaron Henderson have allowed me.”
Epps played four seasons at San Diego State, first under head coach Fred Trenkle, then under NCAA coaching legend Steve Fisher. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from SDSU, as well as a master’s in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University.
Coaching Staff Reshuffled
Epps fills a spot on staff vacated with the departure of former lead assistant coach A.J. Shearon, who took the head coaching job at North High School in his hometown of Bakersfield.
“I am deeply indebted to A.J. for his steadfastness, his integrity, and his investment in young people the last two years,” Haydock said. “He will certainly make a dramatic positive impact on that community with his intelligence, intentional relationships and achievement.”
Following the departure of Shearon, coach Haydock went in-house with his replacement, promoting assistant Nate McClurg to the lead assistant role.
“I’ve been in this business for 14 years, and I’ve yet to find anyone with a work ethic like Nate,” Haydock said. “His insatiable quest for knowledge, his care for our guys, his integrity, his basketball ingenuity, and his relentless work ethic continue to make him an incredible asset to our program.”
Director of athletic performance Todd Ronlake continues in his role, entering his third year with the Sunbirds and oversees all strength and conditioning, nutrition, injury reduction, and speed and agility training.
Assistant coach Daniel Dyck, who joined the Sunbird staff in December, will also return to the sidelines in the fall in an expanded role.
“Daniel’s been an unbelievable addition for us,” Haydock said. “His relentlessness, his natural intelligence and instincts, his passion for our game, his professionalism, and his genuine care for people make him a rising young star in our business.”
